Four cops are dead by suicide in Harris County—and no one’s saying what needs to be said. I’ve been to the edge myself. If you’re a cop, this message is for you.
My story is not unusual, I spent 22 years active army, 21 as a LEO. It gets much more difficult after you retire. I’m a firm believer, that people who have experienced and witnessed a lot of metal trauma in their life. They should stay as far away from prescription drugs and alcohol as possible. I’ve had six friends 2 Army and 4 LE kill themselves. Five of them it was a combination of one or the other and sometimes both. Add some sort of loss/trauma in their personal life. There’s a recipe for disaster.
Wow, Keith, well said. Thank you for sharing this sobering and necessary article. Having worked alongside you for decades, I’ve seen firsthand your deep commitment to the men and women you worked with. The reality of law enforcement suicide is a painful truth MOST departments ignore, and your courage in addressing it head-on is powerful. Your voice matters, and I deeply appreciate your heartfelt message to those who sacrifice(d) so much living out this career.
I truly hope your insights resonate within law enforcement leadership across this country. Those in law enforcement should consider forwarding your post to their LE association board and department executive (Police Chief/Sheriff). This is a conversation that needs to be had out loud by those entrusted with the well-being of their rank and file.
Your voice is valuable to all who serve, and I deeply appreciate your dedication and love for both law enforcement and faith-based security (new tribe).
It was an honor working with you (you made a huge impact that carries on today) and I know your dad was very proud of you and Val. Thank you for your wisdom and your heart, Keith. Keep speaking truth - it’s making a difference.
I was in law enforcement for 15 years. I had gotten close to this same thought, but always believed in God, and I loved my family too much to ever hurt them so bad. But I did know an officer that did go to that extreme. He had asked for help, and had gotten black-balled from his department, and decided to end it all. I wish this article had been available for him to read. I too, believe it falls on the upper managemnt to understand that they have the responsibilty to protect their officers, no matter what the problem is. It's sad that this has gone on as long as law enforcement has been around.
God bless each and every police officer. Thank you God for the brave men and women that keep our streets, roads, highways, and byways safer. “Blessed are the peace keepers, for they shall be called children of God” Matthew 5:9
Thanks for sharing. I feel the same way. I’m retired LEO with 28 years experience. After a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis I retired. I couldn’t handle the stress of MS and work. I’m grateful to have a pension. My tribe is my church. But all the calls and cases seem to come back. I’m glad to hear I’m not alone with the same thoughts.
Thank you for the depth of this writing. I too am a retired SGT with 36 years behind me. I have found working with my church security team the fellowship and the faith that keeps me going. I am also in a men's Bible study group separate from the security team and this is very helpful.
Guys find a group you can talk with, there is more in common than we know.
I've never been in law enforcement but I highly valve their service. I have brothers in Christ who go to the same church that I attend and we are on the security team together. Some are retired and some are still on active duty.
After reading this article I wonder how many of my brothers are hurting. I have PTSD from serving in Vietnam and like you said serving in the military is different than serving in law enforcement. I got to go home after my service. Law enforcement officers have to live and relive crimes everytime they pass by the place that a horrible crime was committed, sometimes daily.
My heart goes out even more to all y'all who have worn the badge and who are still wearing it. My prayer is that those who are suffering will indeed find the help they need. I will be praying for the men and women who serve and protect us on a daily basis.
Thank you for writing this article. I hope and pray that those who are currently serving and those who are now retired will indeed find true peace.
Being in leadership and knowing how others in positions of authority can be , clearly the problem is the leadership where those officers went to that level, so sad
110% correct Keith, It starts at the top, poor leadership leads to bad mural. we are loosing good officers because of this and admin just keep there head in the sand. Don't badmouth the department or you will be on the black list. It's not about a career or loyalty anymore, it's about who pays the most and do less on duty because it's not appreciated. 30 year veteran, retired patrol Sgt. came back as a school resource officer. I was born to lead and protect. God speed, LEO North Carolina
You are the man for this time in your life and the lives of others. It is the Lord's doing in and through the Holy Spirit. I am blessed to have you as a brother in Christ and friend. Keep up this great and glorious work!
Keith, brother. I woke up to your article this morning. It was compelling, convicting, heartbreaking, and powerful. Having lost fellow officers back in the 70’s-80’s, your words are not only too real, but sadly still relevant today. Certainly even more so with the way our current culture treats the people who serve in law enforcement. I can’t imagine the additional amount of stress today’s officers endure, including (and sometimes especially) from their own departments as you succinctly pointed out in your own case. God Bless you for bringing this to our attention and reminding us of what we can do today to help those who are struggling with this darkness. Thank you so much for this article and for sharing your story as well.
I am a retired MFT, addiction medicine 28 years. Caseload primarily cops and criminals, sadly many of the cops ate their piece eventually. The progression from academy, to job, to divorce, to addiction to suicide is so predictable and far too common, yet preventable. The job is a spiritual battle every day.
The solution is difficult yet simple.
1. An obedient and committed relationship with God through Yeshua (Christ). Being faithful in all things.
2. A disciplined warrior's mindset with having a "quiet mind".
3. A personal support system to de-brief and prevent PTSD.
4. Being heavenly minded rather than earthly minded.
5. Understanding the job is a ministry and wearing the armor of God. (Eph 6).
6. Separating the job from personal life and family support. Balance. Work is work, home is home never bring work to home or home to work.
7. The job is a special calling for a special person. If you don't have the calling, find another job.
I could elaborate further, but those are the basics.
Next time you see a cop show your appreciation, even when you are getting a ticket.
My story is not unusual, I spent 22 years active army, 21 as a LEO. It gets much more difficult after you retire. I’m a firm believer, that people who have experienced and witnessed a lot of metal trauma in their life. They should stay as far away from prescription drugs and alcohol as possible. I’ve had six friends 2 Army and 4 LE kill themselves. Five of them it was a combination of one or the other and sometimes both. Add some sort of loss/trauma in their personal life. There’s a recipe for disaster.
Wow, Keith, well said. Thank you for sharing this sobering and necessary article. Having worked alongside you for decades, I’ve seen firsthand your deep commitment to the men and women you worked with. The reality of law enforcement suicide is a painful truth MOST departments ignore, and your courage in addressing it head-on is powerful. Your voice matters, and I deeply appreciate your heartfelt message to those who sacrifice(d) so much living out this career.
I truly hope your insights resonate within law enforcement leadership across this country. Those in law enforcement should consider forwarding your post to their LE association board and department executive (Police Chief/Sheriff). This is a conversation that needs to be had out loud by those entrusted with the well-being of their rank and file.
Your voice is valuable to all who serve, and I deeply appreciate your dedication and love for both law enforcement and faith-based security (new tribe).
It was an honor working with you (you made a huge impact that carries on today) and I know your dad was very proud of you and Val. Thank you for your wisdom and your heart, Keith. Keep speaking truth - it’s making a difference.
Thanks LT! Some of the best times I had was in the Team. I appreciate you, your kind words and the hard work you’re doing now.
I was in law enforcement for 15 years. I had gotten close to this same thought, but always believed in God, and I loved my family too much to ever hurt them so bad. But I did know an officer that did go to that extreme. He had asked for help, and had gotten black-balled from his department, and decided to end it all. I wish this article had been available for him to read. I too, believe it falls on the upper managemnt to understand that they have the responsibilty to protect their officers, no matter what the problem is. It's sad that this has gone on as long as law enforcement has been around.
God bless each and every police officer. Thank you God for the brave men and women that keep our streets, roads, highways, and byways safer. “Blessed are the peace keepers, for they shall be called children of God” Matthew 5:9
Thanks for sharing. I feel the same way. I’m retired LEO with 28 years experience. After a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis I retired. I couldn’t handle the stress of MS and work. I’m grateful to have a pension. My tribe is my church. But all the calls and cases seem to come back. I’m glad to hear I’m not alone with the same thoughts.
Keith,
Thank you for the depth of this writing. I too am a retired SGT with 36 years behind me. I have found working with my church security team the fellowship and the faith that keeps me going. I am also in a men's Bible study group separate from the security team and this is very helpful.
Guys find a group you can talk with, there is more in common than we know.
Thank you,
Sarge36
Keith, I prayed for you as I heard your medical story and I prayed as I read the main article. You are now on my permanent prayer list.
In His Name,, Doc
I've never been in law enforcement but I highly valve their service. I have brothers in Christ who go to the same church that I attend and we are on the security team together. Some are retired and some are still on active duty.
After reading this article I wonder how many of my brothers are hurting. I have PTSD from serving in Vietnam and like you said serving in the military is different than serving in law enforcement. I got to go home after my service. Law enforcement officers have to live and relive crimes everytime they pass by the place that a horrible crime was committed, sometimes daily.
My heart goes out even more to all y'all who have worn the badge and who are still wearing it. My prayer is that those who are suffering will indeed find the help they need. I will be praying for the men and women who serve and protect us on a daily basis.
Thank you for writing this article. I hope and pray that those who are currently serving and those who are now retired will indeed find true peace.
You're a good man.
Being in leadership and knowing how others in positions of authority can be , clearly the problem is the leadership where those officers went to that level, so sad
Spot on. Thank you. 🙏
110% correct Keith, It starts at the top, poor leadership leads to bad mural. we are loosing good officers because of this and admin just keep there head in the sand. Don't badmouth the department or you will be on the black list. It's not about a career or loyalty anymore, it's about who pays the most and do less on duty because it's not appreciated. 30 year veteran, retired patrol Sgt. came back as a school resource officer. I was born to lead and protect. God speed, LEO North Carolina
Powerful Keith.
A good friend killed himself with alcohol. His wife and adult daughter did not help the situation with what they did and did not do in my opinion.
He talked about his tribe a lot. His statement makes better sense for me now.
I wish I had heard my phone a few days prior to his binge.
Forgot to include he was a retired Cop and served in the military. Saw combat with SF.
You are the man for this time in your life and the lives of others. It is the Lord's doing in and through the Holy Spirit. I am blessed to have you as a brother in Christ and friend. Keep up this great and glorious work!
Thank you, brother!
Keith, brother. I woke up to your article this morning. It was compelling, convicting, heartbreaking, and powerful. Having lost fellow officers back in the 70’s-80’s, your words are not only too real, but sadly still relevant today. Certainly even more so with the way our current culture treats the people who serve in law enforcement. I can’t imagine the additional amount of stress today’s officers endure, including (and sometimes especially) from their own departments as you succinctly pointed out in your own case. God Bless you for bringing this to our attention and reminding us of what we can do today to help those who are struggling with this darkness. Thank you so much for this article and for sharing your story as well.
Thank you brother!
I am a retired MFT, addiction medicine 28 years. Caseload primarily cops and criminals, sadly many of the cops ate their piece eventually. The progression from academy, to job, to divorce, to addiction to suicide is so predictable and far too common, yet preventable. The job is a spiritual battle every day.
The solution is difficult yet simple.
1. An obedient and committed relationship with God through Yeshua (Christ). Being faithful in all things.
2. A disciplined warrior's mindset with having a "quiet mind".
3. A personal support system to de-brief and prevent PTSD.
4. Being heavenly minded rather than earthly minded.
5. Understanding the job is a ministry and wearing the armor of God. (Eph 6).
6. Separating the job from personal life and family support. Balance. Work is work, home is home never bring work to home or home to work.
7. The job is a special calling for a special person. If you don't have the calling, find another job.
I could elaborate further, but those are the basics.
Next time you see a cop show your appreciation, even when you are getting a ticket.